MOLTENO – The Komani–based Serious Organised Crime Investigation of the Hawks successfully secured the conviction and sentencing of two men for copper cable theft on 10 February.
According to Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Avele Fumba, Gabriel Modula (37) and Lionel Bar (37), who have been in custody since their arrest in March 2024, were convicted on 9 February for possession of stolen copper cables.
He further said that on 10 February, the Molteno Magistrate’s Court sentenced both to five years’ direct imprisonment.
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“The case follows an operation on 22 March 2024, when Molteno SAPS members stopped a white Ford Ranger at a residence in Y Section, Molteno. Inside the vehicle, officers found four bags of cut copper cables,” said Fumba.
“Further investigations by the Hawks led to the seizure of bolt cutters, grinders, a scale, and 191 kilograms of copper cables worth approximately R191,000.”
The Provincial Head of the Hawks, Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, said this sentence sends a strong message that organised copper theft will not be tolerated.
“This conviction is a firm step in protecting South Africa’s infrastructure and holding criminals accountable,” said Ngwenya.
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